Nano Coating Ireland

Water- and grease repelling nano coating at your disposal

From food processing to automotive and from textile to exterior: a nano coating is useful in almost every sector. Not only does nano coating seal the car paint but also makes the windows of a skyscraper self-cleaning. In this article we will take a closer look at the numerous possibilities liquid nano coatings have to offer.

To give you an idea of whether your project would benefit from nano coatings, we’ll give you 5 examples of advantages nano coating can bring along. Nano coating:

1. Reduces maintenance costs – Grease and dirt slides off windows and solar panels. Cleaning becomes safe and cost efficient.
2. Contributes to safety – Dangerous fungi and bacteria cannot attach to the surface.
3. Combats vandalism – Becomes an effective anti graffiti or anti urine layer.
4. Protects from short-circuits – Ideal for electronic uses and electrical systems.
5. Slows down deterioration – Durable protection for sensitive and porous surfaces such as concrete bridges and monuments.

These advantages are possible thanks to nanotechnology that relies on tiny nano particles. Therefore, the coating does not form a layer on the substrate like conventional coatings, but becomes one with the substrate instead. Due to this, liquids can no longer penetrate the surface, and dirt, grease and fungi cannot adhere to it.

3 steps towards the right nano coating for your needs

When choosing the nano coating for your project, you should keep in mind the purpose and material of the substrate: glass, wood and concrete all require slightly different products. For example, you should apply a nano car coating on car paint, and other nano paints and coatings for windows. You do need to make sure the coating is designed for glass.

Therefore, we will bring you closer to the most suitable nano coating through the following 3 steps.

Step 1: Define the expectations

Essentially, the main types of effects nano coatings can have, depending on the chemical composition and ingredients include hydrophobic, hydrophilic, oleophobic and nano coatings based on glass or ceramics.

Therefore, it is crucial to first determine, what you expect from the coating.

1. Self-cleaning

What it is: this nano coating is based on titanium dioxide (TiN) and it is suitable especially for smooth surfaces. Titanium dioxide breaks almost any organic bond in UV light. It does not repel water, but attracts it instead; creating a thin, tiny water filter which creates a self-cleaning effect. The coating is extremely hygienic; you will literally see water and dirts slide off the surface.
Suitable coating: Hydrophilic coating

Examples of applications: skyscraper windows, medical instrument, solar panels and greenhouses.

2. Oil and water repellent

What it is: hydrophobic and oleophobic literally mean afraid of water and afraid of oil. The effective ingredient in these coatings is silicium dioxide which prevents water and contamination from adhering to the surface. This type of nano coating is available for nearly any surface: the most common applications take place on bathroom floors and walls.
Suitable coating: Hydrophobic and oleophobic

Examples of applications:  car windows, walls and floors in the food processing industry, eyeglasses, sanitary facilities, textile, plastic, exterior furniture etc.

3. Resistant to impact

Nano coatings on a car hood

What it is: like hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings, also ceramic and glass coatings are based on silicium dioxide; however, the dosis is higher. This makes the nanocoating extremely hard, almost insoluble and resistant to a wide range of chemicals. Due to the extreme hardness of the coating, it is also somewhat resistant to impact and scratches. Therefore, it is one of the most popular nano coatings in the automotive coating and refinishes sectors.
Suitable coating: Glass- or ceramic coating

Examples of applications: Car paint, statues, machines, as a top coat on floors and walls.

Step 2: Look for a product that suits the substrate

Even though nano coatings are suitable for almost any substrate, not every coating adheres to all substrates. The optimal adherence is created by adding ingredients that support adhering to the wished material such as smooth metal or porous concrete. Therefore, the products are  also often named according to the substrate they are suitable for: for example Nano Concrete, Nano Plastic and so on.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose for the product that is especially developed for the surface you wish to coat. If you anyway choose for a product that is made for a different substrate, the coating may not adhere and the effect may not be as wished.

Step 3: Buy nano coating for professionals

Once you know which nano coating you need, it is time to purchase the coating. To make the job little easier for you, we have compiled a short overview of professional nano coatings available in Ireland. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in the following products, or if you are looking for a tailored nano paint solution.

5 facts to consider before applying nano coating

Even though nano coatings are known for their many benefits, they also have a less beneficial side: keep in mind that nano coatings are not always the right solution. You should consider at least the following 5 things before deciding to go for nano coatings.

1. Easy to clean – nano coating are however not resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals and microfibre cloths.
2. Contaminants – the coatings are not suitable for old, contaminated substrates. The substrate must be absolutely clean.
3. Limited durability – nano coatings are not for ever. Some products may deteriorate very fast and need another layer shortly after the first is applied.
4. Substrate type – every substrate requires a different nano coating.
5. Product names – the names manufacturers give their products may be confusing; anti graffiti and glass coating are most often names of nanocoatings.

Do you think nano coating is not the best coating for your project? We are familiar with all the alternatives. We are happy to help answer any questions you might have about (nano) coatings. Additionally, we have an extensive network of coating experts whose expertise is at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact us for tailored advice.

Leave the nano coating application for a certified contractor

Let’s assume you are curious about using nano coatings in car manufacture. Or you want to protect electronic devices from short-circuits. Or maybe something completely different. The following companies are included in the rich spectrum of Irish nano coating applicators.

If you are looking for a tailored solution, we at Coatings.ie are happy to offer our services to help you  find the right nano coating. In cooperation with our coating partners, we can also draw up a competitive proposal for applying nano coatings.

Environmental and medical nano coating innovations

Nanotechnology forms the bases for many innovative coating experiments and prototypes. For example use of nanocoating as antimicrobial floor and wall coatings. Next to that, medical equipment and implants can be nano coated to make them safer and sterile.

Nano coatings also contribute to improved and cleaner environment; they are used as  anti graffiti coatings which make removing graffiti easy, and as anti urine paint which prevents the fluid from adhering to the surface.